While “facial plastic surgeon” and “plastic surgeon” sound similar, there are clear differences between the two specialties. If you are considering a facial plastic surgery procedure such as facelift or eyelid surgery, it is important you have an understanding of both specialties so you can make an informed choice about which doctor to choose.
Dr. Pamela Henderson, a facial plastic surgeon serving Scottsdale and the surrounding areas, is a great resource to turn to if you are curious about the distinctions between the specialties.
What Is a Plastic Surgeon?
A plastic surgeon is qualified to perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery anywhere on the body, including the face, body and breasts. They are trained in a wide range of procedures such as tummy tuck, breast augmentation and liposuction as well as facial procedures.
Plastic surgeons must complete four years of medical school, 5 years of surgery residency training, most commonly general surgery, and a 3-year fellowship specializing in plastic surgery. After finishing residency, plastic surgeons can elect to secure board-certification. Becoming board-certified requires passing rigorous written and oral exams and conforming to a high set of standards set forth by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Note that plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons are not the same and should not be considered interchangeable. Cosmetic surgeons generally do not have as much training in plastic surgery as plastic surgeons do. Instead, the term cosmetic surgeon is often used by those who have not completed a fellowship in plastic surgery or facial plastic surgery but instead may have taken postgraduate training courses in different procedures. In addition, cosmetic surgery is not a board-certified specialty.
What Is a Facial Plastic Surgeon?
Scottsdale facial plastic surgeons like Dr. Henderson focus exclusively on procedures of the face and neck. They are considered experts in procedures such as facelift, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty and brow lift.
After graduating medical school, facial plastic surgeons generally complete a residency in a specialty such as otolaryngology – head and neck surgery after which they pursue board certification by passing a written examination. Afterwards, facial plastic surgeons complete an additional year of specialized fellowship training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, where they further their expertise in conditions affecting the face and neck. Board certification by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is then achieved by completing intensive oral and written examinations.
Although they are very knowledgeable about facial procedures, plastic surgeons spend less time studying and training in these types of surgeries than facial plastic surgeons do. While a plastic surgeon splits their time training in procedures of the face, body and breasts, a facial plastic surgeon focuses on procedures of the face and neck and completes hundreds more procedures on those areas before going into practice.
As experts in facial procedures, facial plastic surgeons are extremely knowledgeable about the nuances of the specialty. Limiting their practice only to cosmetic procedures of the face, and neck, they are able to stay abreast of state-of-the-art techniques and technology that make treatment safer and better for patients.
If you are looking for a surgeon to perform your facelift, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty or another facial procedure, the ideal choice is a facial plastic surgeon.
Meet Our Scottsdale Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Henderson is double board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She is uniquely qualified to perform facial plastic surgery procedures on the head and neck.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Henderson to discuss your facial plastic surgery needs, we invite you to call or email us today.